black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

Farewell

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

black and white natural hair studio photography alicia keys no makeup shoot

Photos by Germain Warren
Makeup by Jay
Hair clip-ins c/o Heritage 1933

 

Hello Lovers,

Farewell two thousand and sixteen. Some chapters are whirlwinds. Others seem drudgingly endless. You were a balance of both.

I fell in hope with a man I didn’t really love, but my biological clock wished was the one. We both knew he wasn’t. In April, while evicting me from his life and his home he told me I would be nothing without a man. I was homeless until I realized that my home lies with the tribe of women I surrounded myself with.  It’s December, and I am one hundred times greater than I’ve ever been…all without. a man.

Turning 30 was the onset of weight gain, fears of childbirth, insecurities about my instability, and a deep rooted appreciation for self.

I traded the desire of popularity for transparency and authenticity…..and it fucked around and made me more “popular” than ever.

I told the world I was raped and watched strangers praise me for my strength while simultaneously watched as my family  questioned its validity. I was ripped to pieces by people I’ve known my entire life, and placed back together by strangers I met on the internet. Funny how something that’s “not real life” can feel more real than life.

I misplaced trust in the belly of wolves. I can’t even write out the war I fought to get it back.

I created a space for women to network, connect, and build. We had a seat at several tables, and even now I smile knowing part of my calling has been fulfilled.

I let my bank account create doubt in my dopeness. My clients proved that false. I allowed weight gain to create insecurities about my style. Essence magazine proved that false. I almost gave fear the reigns to my creativity. “I’m not a great writer.” “No one will relate”. And you all have proven that false time and time again. I almost gave men the power to define my worth. I proved that false.

I gave up on love and comfortably settled into solitude. I developed an unabashed love for myself.

I met a man who, unexpectedly, creates smiles in barren places. His kiss tastes like rain on famished land.

I shed the shell of the girl i once was and became the woman that I was created to be.

I showed the world my scars and forced it to see the beauty in each one.

I opened my heart and my life in ways I never imagined I could….and in return I saw the light I poured out come back in to me.

As I prepare to send you away I want to send my sincerest gratitude with you. You created authenticity where there was fear. You made a woman out of me. 2016.

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